Israeli Bulldozers Damage UN Aid Office in West Bank Camp, Sparking Dispute

Israeli bulldozers reportedly damaged the UN aid agency office in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the West Bank on Thursday, according to Philippe Lazzarini, head of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). Lazzarini took to social media platform X to report that the office was “severely damaged” and deemed “no longer usable.”

The Israeli military, however, quickly issued a statement refuting the claims. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the damage was not caused by their personnel. “The claim that the UNRWA offices in Nur Shams were destroyed by IDF soldiers is false,” the IDF statement read, attributing the damage instead to explosives planted by “terrorists” near the agency’s office, which they said likely caused the destruction when detonated.

This incident occurs against the backdrop of recent Israeli legislation passed on Monday, banning UNRWA operations within the country. The law was put forth following accusations that certain UNRWA staff members were complicit in the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, with alleged connections to Hamas and other armed groups. The UN previously stated in August that nine UNRWA staffers might have been involved in the attack, and they were subsequently dismissed. UNRWA has consistently underscored that the vast majority of its personnel uphold neutrality.

Lazzarini, in response to the new law, labeled it a “dangerous precedent” that contravenes UN principles and international obligations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the legislation, asserting that UNRWA staff allegedly involved in “terrorist activities” must face repercussions.